Related Links

New Fencing Offers Enhanced East Entrance to Campus

Contact: Jeff Murphy
WARRENSBURG, MO (Oct. 27, 2008) – Consistent with a desire to create a new entrance to campus from the east while improving aesthetic appeal, UCM is planning a change in fencing near the Highway 13 corridor.

A plan to replace the existing chain link fence with wrought iron and stone pillar fencing was approved by the university’s Board of Governors when it met Oct. 23.. The board authorized the university to move forward on the project, with total cost estimated at about $150,000.

Updating 1999 Pedestrian Safety Project

According to Mike Gebeke, director of facilities, planning and operations, the current fence was constructed in 1999 through a joint effort by the Missouri Department of Transportation, the city of Warrensburg, and UCM. It was part of the pedestrian overpass project that spans Highway 13, also known as Maguire Street. The fence runs along the west and east sides of the highway between South and Clark streets.

Adds to Student Recreation Center Project

Although the project has enhanced pedestrian and traffic safety, Gebeke said the chain link fence hinders the university’s appearance. The first impression many motorists get of campus as they approach from either the north or south on Highway 13 is the fence. He noted that with the university planning to construct a new student recreation and wellness center on the east side of the Morrow-Garrison Complex, materials used in constructing the new fence will complement those used in building that facility and greatly improve the university’s appearance from the east.

Pillars Will Include University Crest

“This will give people a whole new look at campus,” Gebeke said He noted that the new fence will range from four to six feet in height and include stone pillars placed at 20-foot intervals. The pillars will also display the university crest, which was adopted during the fall 2007 semester as a university branding initiative. An improved fire gate will also make it easier for emergency vehicles to enter the campus from Highway 13.

The university has obtained permission from MoDOT to proceed with the project and bid documents are ready. UCM will work in close coordination with the city and MoDOT to ensure city and state requirements are met.